Earl Kiesel: World War II and Korean War Veteran

Earl Kiesel, a World War II and Korean war veteran, and former Commack resident died Jan. 5 at age 88.

Kiesel was born March 1, 1925 in New York City, where he was raised. He graduated from LaSalle Academy and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the USS Sea Dog submarine and in the Korean War (USS Dogfish), his family wrote in his obituary. During his college years at Fordham University, Kiesel continued his call to service as a Lieutenant for the NYC Fire Department. After retiring from the FDNY, he took on a second career with AT&T as a safety engineer.  

Kiesel married Marian D. Ackerman and began a family. The pair raised their six children in Commack, NY and River Edge, NJ, before moving to Naples, Fla.

Marian passed away in 1965. Working as a substiture teacher, Earl found happiness again, when he met Barbara, his wife of 46 years, his family wrote in his obituary. The couple had two sons and were caring parents to eight children and nine grandchildren.

His family wrote that Kisel’s greatest pleasure came from planning family gatherings and playing music. He and his family enjoyed trips to the beach, family barbecues, and Christmas celebrations together.

Kiesel was the son of Bridget Brennan and George Kiesel. He had a loving sister, Margaret Flanagan, and brother, George Kiesel, who predeceased him. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Kiesel, of Naples, Florida, and his eight children Marian Torriglia (Tony), Key West, FL; Margaret Feinstein (Stuart), Poughkeepsie, NY; Katharine Kiesel, New York, NY; Louise Ferregur (Sigfredo), Newbury Park, CA; Ruth Ann Brady (Steven), San Diego, CA; Earl John Kiesel (Lynn), New York, NY; Terence Kiesel (Lyudmila), Middletown, NY; Christopher Kiesel, Hilton Head, SC. Nine grandchildren survive him: Colleen, Clare, Mary, David, Michele, Matthew, Maxwell, Jessica, and Ryan.